FAA tells Boeing to fix 747-8 software to avoid crash

Reuters Staff

3 Min Read

Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental jetliner, tail number A7-HHE which is the first-delivery VIP-configured aircraft for an undisclosed customer, rolls out for takeoff from Paine Field in Everett, Washington on February 28, 2012. REUTERS/Anthony Bolante

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration on Tuesday ordered an immediate fix to the latest version of Boeing Co’s (BA.N) 747-8 plane, saying a software glitch could cause it to lose thrust when close to landing and fly into the ground.

The rule, the fourth such directive involving the 747-8, directly affects seven airplanes in the United States, the FAA said.

If adopted internationally, the rule would cover a larger number. Boeing’s website said it had delivered 66 of the four-engine jets, the company’s largest, to customers worldwide since the model was introduced in October 2011.

The problem never caused a problem in flight, Boeing said.

Because of the seriousness of the safety issues, the directive takes effect April 9, skipping the usual comment period, although comments can still be submitted, the FAA said.

Boeing said data analysis indicated a potential problem, and it advised customers last year to update the software. It said it believed the majority of operators had already done so.

The risk of failure was “extremely remote,” Boeing said.

GE said it owned the software and jointly analyzed it with Boeing, but plane maker decided to recommend the software change to customers.

According to the FAA, the risk arises when a plane is changing back into “air mode” while performing a “rejected or bounced landing.” That change halts hydraulic pressure used to stow the engine thrust reversers, which slow the plane on landing, the agency said.

Without hydraulic pressure, the reversers may not stow fully and might redeploy, which “could result in inadequate climb performance at an altitude insufficient for recovery, and consequent uncontrolled flight into terrain,” the FAA said.

Unidentified business jet/VIP customers own the eight passenger models of the aircraft in the United States, according to Boeing’s website. Air cargo company Atlas Air AAWW.O is the largest U.S. commercial owner of the jet, with a fleet of eight 747-8F freighters.

Among passenger carriers, Lufthansa (LHAG.DE) is the largest operator, with 11. An airline spokesman said it had been informed of the directive and was checking to what extent its fleet of 747-8s was affected. He added the group was also considering its response to the FAA.

China’s Cathay Pacific (0293.HK) has 13 freighters and Cargolux, based in Luxembourg, has nine.